How to Retire on Social Security Alone

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The writer needs to get out and see the world. Don't write about someplace you know nothing about.
Sunland Park, New Mexico. This one errs on the other side. Average income is probably much lower because much of the economy is underground. The city is well run and the building department is making progress in an area that spent years with un-inspected building projects. The community is predominantly Latino, serious crime is low, the people are nice, most families are intact and Sunland Park is a bedroom community to El Paso. That said, moving here would be culture shock for most unaccustomed to the area.
It is On the Mexican border

Willy of TX 3:14PM November 08, 2012

When the start messing with our ssi then we are in trouble. If they privitse it then we will see a can of worms open up. We should get bigger monthly payments as a lot of people die before they spend all of what was taken out. Then it goes into our goverments pockets.

mike suter of OR 5:11AM October 20, 2012

I was trying to find the 10 best places to retire. This site never got me to such a site.

Marv of MN 3:43PM September 22, 2012

No state that taxes SSI is a good place to retire on SSI only. All states that have a sales tax, tax SSI. Any state that has a income tax on SSI is also a bad place to live. I would love to see an article written by someone that actually tries to give some real information about the subject, any subject, that they put on the internet.

walt of OR 4:20AM August 09, 2012

The answer is obvious , move overseas. Doesn't have to be far. Mexico is fine . I retired at 48 yrs of age . That was 17 yrs ago. I have never once regreted it. One person can live modestly but well on SS. A couple both recieving SS can live very well. Adaptability is the key. Hard driving type A personalities probably won't be as happy as the more laid back types. I personally know several single folks that have comfortable apts for around $200 usd.per mo. Fresh fruits and veggies are cheap as dirt as is most things not imported. Don't sweat the "drug war" it's business and doesn't have anything to do with you. In 17 yrs I've never had a major hassle with a Mexican nor do I know any Gringo who has. Take your pick , beach , mountains or anywhere in between. There over 1 million of us already living here already . News from the U.S. leads me to believe that number will increase significantly over the next few years.

Art Jones 2:44PM June 12, 2012

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jasonjohnson833 of CA 7:50AM May 29, 2012

This article has nothing to do with the Title(10 places to live on SS alone)
WTF is this.

ww of TN 6:13AM April 18, 2012

This article doesn't address those of us who are single... WHERE can we afford to live on SS alone? That's what I'm facing. All of my retirement and savings was depleted over the past few years due to caring for a family member. I have nothing and am trying to pay off my remaining debt that I owe (fortunately, only around $1,500 presently). But with Medicare premiums, RX premiums, medical co-pays, rising rental costs (I no longer own a home), WHERE will people like me be able to afford to live? My income will be approximately $1,300/mo. After rent, utilities and medical costs, there won't be much left. I am not hopeful at all.

Coco of WA 12:17AM April 18, 2012

As to people having to move in with adult children, or having to move an elderly relative in with them: you just DON'T know what the future brings. My healthy, intelligent, professional-career mother, who has always eaten "right", watched her diet, never smoked, always excersized, etc, now has Alzheimers. She did all the "right" things to supposedly reduce her chances......she now lives with us, and its very very difficult. I doubt we can keep her in the home forever, as she worsens. When I look to the future for myself, I don't want to place this type of burden on MY kids, if it should happen to me. But, make plans, and take into account the worst case scenario. Have a living will, a medical and financial power of attorney, just in case you are in no position to make intelligent decisions, and be sure you're nearest and dearest KNOW how you feel about things like this.....can't assume it'll never happen to you, or a family member.

Marie Somers of GA 11:56PM April 07, 2012

I retired at 63 & am already receiving SS. Not because I wanted to, but because the job market was sooo bad and my health was so questionable, it was the most reasonable thing to do. My husband still works and probably will until he can't any more. Why? Because we need the health benefits. That is, without a doubt, the most expensive consideration in our retirement planning. He had a triple by-pass last year, is diabetic and I have a mitro valve prolapse and tremors. Everything requires expensive medications. Medicare, et all will not provide what we need without costly additions. Retiring with just SS and some savings will make it extremely difficult to live, regardless of where we go. Budgeting is our lifestyle now and forever. Until someone gets the insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies and medical practices under control, retiring in this country will remain a painful project.

Linda of OH 1:42PM April 04, 2012